Cosmos by Carl Sagan
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Book Reviews of Cosmos
Book Review: This book made me a better person
Summary: 5 Stars
This humbling book was read by someone who needed humbling. When Sagan was alive doing his PBS shows this reviewer did not watch them. He had determined that Nova would be a dumbed down science program not unlike the contents of a Pschyology Today article. An apology is required but to who? Perhaps to the reviewer who had too much hubris to pay attention and short shifted himself. He is a wiser reviewer now.
Cosmos is a book written for the mass market and can be found in your local grocery store. The value here is that any one can pick it up very inexpensively and explore a plethora of scientific ideas in a deep yet readable way. Many of us do not have the training and skills that allow us to understand the details of a scientific study. Sagan provides us a history that is there for the everyman who yearns for information.
Sagan presents his case with some biography such as Kepler and Newton. Some evolution, autobiography and some cosmology. For us scientific little leaguers he presents all of his ideas from a scientific method. Nothing in science happens (or happened) without intelligent hypotheses, testing and review by people who understand the tests and can offer something to them.
The book is written in an engaging style that is florid enough to keep the reader interested even in the moments that may seem arcane. Should the reader stick with those moments they will be satisfied with a clear answer to their question.
A book like this has been in print since 1980. People must be reading it. Those that have are rewarded with ideas and reasons to pursue new adventures in science as a result.
Book Review: Highly recommended for anyone inclined to wonder...
Summary: 5 Stars
My education and upbringing have taken place within a society that respects science and the awesome reality it attempts to describe. I am sure this is due, in large part, to the bold and tireless work of scientists such as the late Carl Sagan in capturing the hearts and minds of so many with works like Cosmos.
In this book, Sagan gives us a tantalizing sample of the great knowledge we humans have amassed over the past two thousand years, interrupted by the ignorance of the Dark Ages and revived with the Renaissance. Incorporating history, biology, astronomy, physics, religion, and politics into the discussion, he discusses how exploration of the Cosmos can help answer the timeless question: Who are we?
Sagan shows in this book how, by reaching out to the stars, by continually questioning and expanding our visions of the universe, we humans can better understand our place in the Cosmos. Although we have found our home planet to be a "mote of dust circling a humdrum star in the remotest corner of an obscure galaxy," we are nonetheless extremely precious beings within the vast emptiness of the Cosmos. Our origins lie with the stars, and in the stars rests our destiny as a race, should we escape the petty quarrels that engulf our governments even today.
An inspiring work with valuable insight into the value of science and reason, as well as what it means to be human. In spite of its age (25 years!), I heartily recommend Cosmos to anyone that has ever been struck by the beauty and wonder of the universe we inhabit.
Book Review: The ultimate primer for astronomy and scientific history
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this material not in book form, but in the TV series made for PBS. I remember a childhood of growing up watching Carl Sagan on the bridge of an imaginary ship, hurtling through the universe as he explained the wondrousness of it all.
The writing is easy to follow and, while it may jump around time-wise, encourages the reader to learn more about astronomy as well as astrophysics, chemistry, and mathematics. A particularly important quality in Sagan's writing is his ability to break down concepts which, ordinarily, might be beyond the grasp of those not initiated to physics, geometry, and history. He introduces complicated topics (such as astrophysics) in simple enough terms that they can be followed and applied to the discussions in later chapters. In addition, his unique insight into the space escapades of the past several decades (often through his consultation or even direct involvement) lends a personal touch to the narrative that makes it all seem more human and understandable.
His strength of conviction and courage to show the darker side of humanity as it relates to the study of the universe is admirable; his willingness to expose the ugliness of societies ignorant in the value of science (to this day) gives readers a broader view of astronomy's place in the world. A writer unafraid to show the truth is a diamond in the rough. Sagan was one such jewel, and this novel is certainly a treasure all its own.
Book Review: Cosmos -- a Pleasure
Summary: 5 Stars
I read Cosmos at age 48, after having studied mathmatics, physics, and astronomy for much of my early life. Although loving the strict rigor of mathematical proofs and scientific reasoning immensely, I believe that there is something important to be said about the poetic, almost terrifying beauty inherent in the most significant areas and principles in these related field. I believe that Carl Sagan has sought (and accomplished) to go beyond the purely technical (which has an admittedly limited readership), and invited the uninitiate to venture into the realms of the heavens as well, and there is alot to be said about this approach too. For one thing, the more enlightened the general public, the more chance for mutual survival. Furthermore, science does not function solely in an ivory tower; it coexists in a wider world with many people who could be made to appreciate the genuine wonders. It is to the author's credit that he realizes this, which many other "pure" scientists of the same ilk (Sagan certainly knew his "hard science" too) would be well to observe. Many scientists of my own acquaintance suffer from a debilitating technical myopia. So here's to a major achievement and major book. Detractors should search their souls and motivations carefully. The world would be a far more enlightened and better place if only more people read it today.Book Review: We are made of cosmic stuff
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is not only on my top list of must reads but also is a fantastic present.
Beautifully written... it made me think about the times in life when I would lay down looking at the sky and wondering why? We are such an insignificant and important part of whatever it is
Sagan takes us to reflect upon those whys in time and space. Fast forward from the Big Bang Theory to the black holes, the development of the genetic code, a deep understanding of science for the pure pleasure of it. The novas, the super novas, the secrets of the planets, one by one... why Venus is hell and we are in Heaven... we can wonder with the scientists on intergalaxy curiosity, why, how, when.
Some parts of the book are quite technical, but explained with uttermost simplicity.
Along the way, he introduces reflections from scientists, and thinkers. This would be a great book to give to a teenager and specially someone who likes to know about discoveries and science. but it is also a great book for those who enjoy social sciences. Managers, teachers and leaders can take so many quotes from it.
"We are made of cosmic stuff" all of our atoms where at some time and at some space part of the greater cosmos, how cool is that?
a must read, must share, much loved book.